Practicable Syntheses of Electroluminescent Ionic 2,2′‐Bifluorenes

The development of a practicable library synthesis of ionic 2,2′‐bifluorenes is described that improves the safety and reduces waste associated with the ubiquitous method of preparing these and related electroluminescent compounds. Additionally, an X‐ray crystal structure that reveals how triflate counterions can provide a second link between the alkylimidazolium subunits and the photoluminescent core is presented. Electroluminescent organic molecules have been proffered as the key to unlocking a new generation of light‐emitting electrochemical cells. The article describes our development of a practicable library synthesis of a class of electroluminescent materials with a bifluorene core. The approach is applicable to an array of related materials containing a photoluminescent core tethered to heteroaromatic salts by alkyl chains.